A community celebration turned into a scene of violence and panic on Friday when police officers shot and disarmed an armed suspect during a tense standoff at the Agona Amenfi Chief’s Palace in theAmenfi Central District of the Western Region. The suspect, identified as a local royal, was reportedly wearing traditional protective charms and wielding a machete when he attacked a palace messenger and defied law enforcement.
According to reports, traditional authorities, community leaders, and residents had gathered for a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a new maternity ward for the town's health centre.
According to an eyewitness report to Daily View Gh, the event was briefly interrupted when it was discovered that the ceremonial hoe needed for the sod-cutting exercise had been left behind at the palace. A palace messenger was subsequently sent to retrieve the tool.
Reports indicate that upon arriving at the palace, the messenger encountered a man dressed in a traditional smock and adorned with talismans. The suspect, believed to be a royal and native of Agona Amenfi, allegedly prevented the messenger from entering the palace grounds.
Witnesses said a confrontation ensued, during which the suspect, who was reportedly armed with a cutlass, attacked the messenger and inflicted multiple wounds.
The attack prompted an emergency response from the police, who rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the incident. Residents claim officers initially attempted to disarm and arrest the suspect peacefully but were unsuccessful.
The situation soon escalated into a prolonged standoff as the armed man allegedly refused to surrender. Some residents reportedly believed the suspect possessed traditional charms that made him immune to gunfire, further heightening tension at the scene.
After several unsuccessful attempts to bring the situation under control, police reportedly discharged their weapons and shot the suspect in one hand, allowing officers to overpower and disarm him.
